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Our Story

Our Story

With offices in Australia, New Zealand, the UK , Germany and USA, IRT's International coverage means that our professional and experienced staff can better facilitate horse shipment all around the world.

Navvy ( Evers Navarone) is here safe and sound! Thank you so much for all your help in getting him here. He is in fantastic condition.

Eirlys Beverley-Stone, Southland NZ - June 2017

The service you provide is just amazing! I was rather worried about sending my three horses from Europe/UK to the USA as I had never shipped horses before and it was a complex plan. But IRT managed it all so easily! Fantastic! Thank you!

Triin Lepp, Ascot UK - June 2017

Thank you for another easy, flawless import, you guys do an awesome job!

Candice Hartsoe, Heritage Stallions, Maryland USA - June 2017

IRT have been a fantastic partner for many years, successfully shipping our horses across the Trans-Tasman for races in Australian and New Zealand.

Mark Purdon, All Stars Racing Stables - June 2017

Thank you IRT! You're the BEST! -- (IRT partnered with the Square Peg Foundation and California Retirement Management Account to fly three retired Thoroughbreds to their new home, Dillingham Ranch on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.)

Candace Coder Chew, Santa Anita Park, USA - June 2017

A true frequent flyer, ‘More Than Ready’ has travelled beautifully under the care of IRT on 16 international round trips from the USA to Australia.

Navvy ( Evers Navarone) is here safe and sound! Thank you so much for all your help in getting him here. He is in fantastic condition.

Eirlys Beverley-Stone, Southland NZ - June 2017

The service you provide is just amazing! I was rather worried about sending my three horses from Europe/UK to the USA as I had never shipped horses before and it was a complex plan. But IRT managed it all so easily! Fantastic! Thank you!

Triin Lepp, Ascot UK - June 2017

Thank you for another easy, flawless import, you guys do an awesome job!

Candice Hartsoe, Heritage Stallions, Maryland USA - June 2017

IRT have been a fantastic partner for many years, successfully shipping our horses across the Trans-Tasman for races in Australian and New Zealand.

Mark Purdon, All Stars Racing Stables - June 2017

Thank you IRT! You're the BEST! -- (IRT partnered with the Square Peg Foundation and California Retirement Management Account to fly three retired Thoroughbreds to their new home, Dillingham Ranch on the North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii.)

Candace Coder Chew, Santa Anita Park, USA - June 2017

We are the global market leader in horse transport with experience spanning over 45 years. As a business we are extremely proud of our success which is grounded in trust and an unwavering commitment to our clients and their specific needs.

With vast experience in the shipment of all types of equine breeds and a global footprint across five countries, we understand the nuances of global markets; be they diverse customer needs, government requirements or market forces. Each IRT office has an IRT Partner at the helm, all with industry experience spanning 10 to 50 years in the horse shipping arena.

Widely renowned as a world class horse transporter, we take great pride in our customer relationships, our reputation for first class service, the rigour we apply to safety and compliance, and our expert employees.

As IRT reflects on over four decades in the industry, company founder Quentin Wallace would like to send a message to its supporters across the world:

"What an amazing journey it’s been. On behalf of the global team at IRT I’d like to say a big thank-you to our many valued customers and friends for your trust and continued support."

It could be said that what really sets IRT apart as the best in the business is the in-flight experience. Your horse will enjoy unrivalled levels of care and comfort while in the air with particular attention paid to:

FAQ'S

All you need to know

Do I have to apply for permits from quarantine / health authorities myself?

No. IRT take care of all import/export permit requirements at the port of arrival and departure.

Do I have to deliver my horse to pre-export quarantine or to the airport?

IRT can easily organize transport. However, if you particularly wish to deliver your horse, arrangements can sometimes be made for you to do this.

Who deals with Customs authorities in the port of departure and/or arrival?

IRT - as part of the planning process for each shipment, an IRT consultant will send you a questionnaire. Once you have completed this and returned it to the appropriate IRT office, all necessary Customs arrangements can be made on your behalf.

When is payment of freight costs etc required?

Payment will be required 7 days prior to the departure of the shipment.

What quarantine is involved?

Pre Export Isolation (PEI) is required on most exports, with length determined by the country which the horse is being exported to/from.

Can I travel with my horse?

Depending on shipment sizes, available groom seats and airline policies. As a general rule, all IRT shipments are supervised by an animal air attendant (or 'groom') provided by IRT.

Do I need to pay deposit when I book my horse on?

No deposit is required, however similar to passenger tickets, payment is required a minimum of 7 days prior to the departure of the shipment.

When do I need to book my horse on to make the next flight (i.e. how much lead time)?

We advise all clients to contact with their IRT representative regarding upcoming flight dates and possible intake windows for quarantine.

Again depending on country requirements, will determine how in-foal a mare may travel. For example horses may travel up to 300 days in foal to NZ however only up to 240 days in foal to South Africa.

Do I need to insure my horse?

IRT advises that all horses are insured therefore talk to your current insurer to discuss adding a transit policy for travel and any geographical limitations your policy may have. If you require insurance IRT can have our Insurance Company call you to discuss options and costs.

Depending on location and distance from port of origin, there will often be fuel or cargo drop/collection stops on the way. IRT Pro Grooms remain with the horses at any stops on the way, and are pre-customs cleared in and out of each country, ensuring your horses are never left unattended.

I understand the horses travel in stalls on the aircraft - how are they loaded onto the plane?

The horse stalls are loaded on the ground and then raised into the aircraft by lift, maneuvered into place and locked into position.

What equipment will IRT provide for my horse's shipment?

IRT will supply a new head collar and lead when the horse arrives in our care. When IRT organises pre-flight quarantine a loan rug will be provided for this stage of the shipment.

Should my horse wear leg bandages?

IRT generally recommend against the use of leg bandages and wraps/boots. If you wish your horse to travel with these, please speak with your IRT consultant.

Should my horse wear shoes during the journey?

For the safety of your horse and the people handling it during transit, IRT generally recommend all shoes be removed for the journey exceptions can be made for horses with tender feet or brittle hooves.

Are horses automatically tranquillized for the journey?

No. Tranquillizer is generally only administered if deemed absolutely necessary on safety grounds.

How is the horse restrained during the journey?

All horses travel in an airline approved horse stall.

If my horse is a larger than normal horse do I have economy, business and first class options?

Yes. We commonly refer to a single space in a stall being economy (3 horses to a horse stall), space & ½ being business (2 horses to a stall) or First Class being 1 horse in a stall on its own.

If the horse has to undergo post arrival quarantine (PAQ) at the port of arrival, where is this undertaken?

In most cases, PAQ will be spent in an approved quarantine facility conveniently located to the port of arrival. However, quarantine regulations vary depending upon country of import - refer to your IRT consultant for further information.

What happens when the horse arrives at the port of destination?

In most cases your horse will be met by an IRT representative or their Agent.

Am I advised when the horse arrives at its destination?

Yes. As a general rule IRT will advise you once the horse has arrived at its destination. However, if your local representative is meeting the horse they would normally contact you direct. IRT takes particular care to make sure horse owners are well informed throughout the shipping process and make staff members responsible for your shipment readily available.

Who cares for the horse whilst undergoing quarantine?

All Government quarantines are supervised by representatives from the local veterinary authority. Depending upon the route, the care of your horse will be in the hands of an IRT representative or their Agent or the quarantine manager.

My friend has a quarantine property in Sydney, why can't he fly into Sydney instead?

All horses arriving into Australia (except from New Zealand) must do post arrival quarantine at Government’s Post Arrival Quarantine Facility.

Does the horse sit underneath us on a passenger plane?

No. Horses can only travel on main deck cargo freighters.

Who deals with Customs authorities in the port of departure and/or arrival?

IRT - as part of the planning process for each shipment, an IRT consultant will send you a questionnaire. Once you have completed this and returned it to the appropriate IRT office, all necessary Customs arrangements can be made on your behalf both for the departure and arrival customs entries.

For over 20 years, Chris has been instrumental in maintaining IRT's edge in an increasingly competitive market. Combining equine expertise with his passion for problem solving has helped him drive progressive business practices and innovation.

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Director, Operations

Lachlan Ford

M. +61 411 709 709

E. lford(at)irt.com

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With over 15 years experience and a genuine passion for the horse industry, Lachlan understands global market requirements, helping him successfully fulfil his clients' needs, specifically in the Asian and South African Markets.

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Managing Director

David Cole

M. +64 21 921 677

E. dcole(at)irt.com

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As co-founder of IRT NZ with over 38 years in airfreight logistics, equine disease and in bound quarantine requirements, David has contributed enormously to IRT's success and remains a proactive leader in the horse industry.

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Managing Director

Richard Cole

E. rcole(at)irt.com

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Richard combines his passion for the horse industry with many years' experience in global licensing to ensure high levels of customer satisfaction. Richard's operational background offers a keen understanding of meeting client needs.

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General Manager

Matt Haug

E. mhaug(at)irt.com

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Matt has been with IRT for nearly 20 years. Having forged his career from the ground up with IRT, Matt is a terrific example of what a relentless drive for success can achieve.

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Managing Director

Jim Paltridge

M. +44 7799 431 211

E. jpaltridge(at)irt.com

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Joining IRT in 1984, Jim built our US operation and now manages the UK and German offices. Specialising in global logistics, particularly in the Americas, Australia and NZ, Jim's life's work has been moving horses.

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Managing Director

Jim Paltridge

M. +44 7799 431 211

E. jpaltridge(at)irt.com

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Joining IRT in 1984, Jim built our US operation and now manages the UK and German offices. Specialising in global logistics, particularly in the Americas, Australia and NZ, Jim's life's work has been moving horses.

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Founder & Executive Chairman

Quentin Wallace

M. +61 411 700 700

E. qwallace(at)irt.com

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As our founder, Quentin has successfully guided IRT for 45 years, expanding and maintaining our market leader position. After 50 years shipping horses, Quentin still places great emphasis on customer service and attention to detail.

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Company Secretary, Global

Lynleigh Dressing

E. ldressing(at)irt.com

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Lyn has been helping build IRT's success since the very beginning. With experience across administration, governance, compliance and HR, Lyn plays an important role in delivering effective outcomes for IRT, our management, staff and clients.

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Chief Information Officer

Tamir Bowen

E. tbowen(at)irt.com

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Tamir has over 15 years' experience in managing IT and software development and has a passion for keeping IRT at the forefront of new technologies, notably implementing our state of the art, customised CRM system.

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Brand Custodian, Global

Lorna Wallace

E. lwallace(at)irt.com

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With a strong pedigree in advertising, branding and design, Lorna developed the IRT brand foundations at its inception and has passionately helped build and guide the brand’s success and integrity throughout our journey.

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IRT's ability to provide high quality services is directly dependent on our staff.

With more than 40 office based staff worldwide, and our team of dedicated and professional attendants, IRT's ability to provide excellent service is dependent on excellent staff. We have a wide range of opportunities for the very best people in the industry who have a genuine passion and the right level of experience.

If you would like to be part of our team, feel free to email a covering letter and your resume to our Human Resources team at employment(at)irt.com.